When fell apart in 1992, most observers assumed that would never recover from his numerous drug addictions. No one could have ever predicted that he would return to the top of the charts three years later, relatively fit and healthy, with a new band that fulfilled all of the promises of his old group. is what always were, only better. Leaving behind the stiff musicianship that plagued even the best records, 's debut, , is a surreal, funky, profane, and perversely joyous album, overflowing with casual eclecticism and giddy humor. Working with a band that is looser and grittier than , sounds reinvigorated, creating bizarre rhymes that tie together junk culture, drug lingo, literary references, and utter nonsense. 's lyrics have always been freewheelingly impenetrable, but now he's working with , a rapper that is the equal of his skills. Even better, the music has deep grooves and catchy pop hooks that come straight out of left field. From the blaring harmonica of the triumphant "Reverend Black Grape" and the trippy sitars of "In the Name of the Father" to the seedy, rolling "Shake Your Money" and the stinging guitars of "Tramazi Parti," is filled with music that goes in unconventional directions without ever sounding forced. Not only is a triumphant return for and his sidekick , it's the first album they have ever recorded that justifies all of the hype. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine